Cumbria police recover 72 firearms and ammunition in first week of amnesty

November 17, 2014, 6:27 pm

Cumbria Constabulary has recovered over 70 firearms and ammunition in the first week of a county-wide national amnesty.

The amnesty was launched on Monday 10th November. The aim of the amnesty is to provide an opportunity to hand in unwanted and will run through until Friday 21st November or unlawfully held firearms, replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, antique firearms, component parts and other ballistic items.

The surrender period was devised to enable those who hold firearms and ammunition, without a valid certificate, to surrender those to the police. The amnesty follows a change to firearm legislation.

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Below are details of the number of firearms and ammunition items handed:

Pistol – 9

Shotgun – 17

Air Weapon – 12

Ammunition – 11

Rifle – 8

Revolver –  2

Other  – 13

Tota – 72

Chief Inspector David Bosson said: “We are really pleased with the number of firearms and ammunition that has been handed in to police over the past week. Every firearm or piece of ammunition that is recovered is one less firearm or ammunition that could fall into the hands of a person with criminal intentions.

“Id encourage members of the public who are illegally holding firearms, or those who simply want to dispose of their items safely, to take advantage of the opportunity that this amnesty provides.

“Following the amnesty, if you are found to be holding illegal firearms or ammunition action may be taken, which is what we are seeking to avoid.”

The stations where firearms can be handed in during the amnesty period are:

North

• Carlisle

• Penrith

South

• Barrow

• Kendal

• Ulverston

West

• Cockermouth

• Whitehaven

• Workington

To check on opening times please visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/contact-us/police- stations.

For further information on the changes to firearm licensing laws please visit https:// www.gov.uk/firearms-licensing-police-guidance.

Authorised firearms officers are available to collect firearms from those who are unable to attend a police station. For further details in arranging the collection of your firearm or ammunition please contact police on 101.

For specific enquiries in relation to possession of firearms and conditions of your licence you can also call the firearms licensing office on 0330 124 0941.